Montgomerie’s 31st Order of Merit victory at the European Open in Ireland on Sunday did indeed take him above all the above in that basic fact. But Faldo’s 30 wins included six majors, Lyle’s 18 included the Open Championship and Masters, and Woosnam’s 29 included the Masters.

Faldo and Woosnam also reached world No.1. Montgomerie was once second (as was Lyle), but he never got to the pinnacle - and nor, of course, has he won a major title yet.

There are also the Tour’s “approved special events” to consider. They are not included in the above figures, but Woosnam has also won three World Match Plays at Wentworth, twice been the individual champion at the World Cup, and back in 1982 the European Under-25s champion. That gives him 35 wins on the circuit.

What the 44-year-old Scot is ahead in is Order of Merit titles and earnings. Following Sunday’s end to his 19-month barren spell, Montgomerie has a chance to claim the money list crown for a phenomenal ninth time.